The trailblazing geriatric medical specialist had a remarkable career, including two decades at the helm of one of Western Australia's largest aged care providers.

Dr Flett graduated in medicine, settling in Australian in 1965. In the early 70s, she was the first woman in peacetime to hold a male rank and the first woman doctor to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force. She moved into the management of services and facilities for older people, looking to make improvements, telling The Australian Financial Review in 1998, "It was the only way to make a difference to the basic way the service was provided."

From 1995 until 2016, Dr Flett was CEO of Brightwater Care. From 1996, Dr Flett served on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA)'s Health and Community Service Council, and in 2006, she became the first woman to be elected to the role of President of the CCIWA.

She served on many boards and committees, including in 1997 being appointed inaugural Chair of the Federal Government's Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency, and in 2017 she was appointed to the Aged Care Workforce Strategy Taskforce. Her contributions to policy, business, and healthcare earned Dr Flett many accolades, including Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year in 1998, the Centenary Medal in 2003, and in 2008, Western Australia’s Australian of the Year.

In 2014, she was named an Officer of the Order of Australia for her work in aged care and education.

Brightwater CEO, Dr Catherine Stoddart said, “Penny was a remarkable force of change. She had a unique talent for looking past obstacles and finding solutions that made a real difference in people’s lives.

"Her unwavering dedication to advocating for those in need was truly fearless, and the legacy she leaves behind will continue to shape Brightwater for generations. We will always be grateful for her leadership, vision, and the strong foundation she created."